Don't Miss

Korean American singer wows ‘The Voice’ judges

September 25, 2014

Clara Hong from Atlanta praised on ”The Voice 2014 Blind Audition”

A Korean-American from Atlanta, Ga., received a standing ovation at the season’s premiere of a singing talent contest, with three of four judges pressing buttons and showing luminescent signs saying, “I want you.”

Clara Hong sang Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s in Love” on “The Voice 2014 Blind Audition” TV program. Judges Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, and Pharrell Williams sang her praises.

“The whole concept is intriguing, because they can’t see who you are,” said Hong. “That insecurity is the story of my life, coming here at a young age, moving to Jersey from Korea, with not a lot of Koreans where I lived.”

Hong moved to the U.S. with her family when she was eight.

“I can’t remember, it’s all a blur, but I just remember chairs,” “I had lost it. It was definitely an out-of-body experience.”

“Clara is great and so am I. Let’s make history, ” said Levine.

Praising Hong’s performance, Stefani said there was still room to improve _ and sang part of her new song, “Just a Girl” to show how.

Williams told Hong, “That tone is like silk. I love your voice.”

Blake Shelton, who did not press a button, said, “You have three of the greatest people of all of music fighting over you right now.”

Hong will take part in a “sing-off” with another contestant to see who goes through to the next round.

Judges choose from among the contestants who make it through, and form a “team” they will coach during extensive training sessions.

Because Hong received three positive reviews, she was allowed to choose the team she will be on. She chose the team of Adam Levine, who is the lead singer of Maroon 5.